At least 68 Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia due to suspected heat-related causes, according to a Saudi diplomat. The overall death toll has risen to 645, with reports citing heat as a primary factor in many cases.

A Saudi Arabian diplomat revealed that among the 645 deaths, 68 were confirmed to be Indian pilgrims. The deaths were attributed to natural causes, including the advanced age of some pilgrims, and adverse weather conditions.

Earlier reports from Arab diplomats had estimated 550 deaths, with Egyptians and Jordanians also among the casualties. Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia, and Iraq's Kurdistan region have also reported deaths among their pilgrims, although specific causes have not been fully disclosed.

Last year, over 200 pilgrims died, predominantly Indonesians, due to similar circumstances. This year, Saudi authorities reported more than 2,700 cases of heat exhaustion, underscoring the challenges faced during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.